napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/elections/3838127-418/district-204-candidate-profiles.htmlLast Modified: Mar 12, 2011 09:02AM
Three seats on the District 204 Board of Education are up for election April 5. The five candidates are Curt Bradshaw and Alka Tyle, both incumbents, and Tricia Tillotson, Lori Price and Mark Rising. The following are their views on the state of the school district and what they hope to bring to the board.
Curt Bradshaw
Hometown: Naperville
Age: 38
Family: Wife, Dina, children Noah, 8, Grace, 6
Occupation: Executive director, product development and product line management for Invesco
Background: Undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, MBA from University of Chicago, president of the District 204 Board of Education since 2009, member of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, member of Grace Pointe Church.
1. Why are you running for the school board?
I’m running for re-election because I truly believe District 204 can be the best in the state, and I would like to be part of ensuring we reach that goal. We are an incredibly strong district and have made significant progress toward that goal, but we are not there yet. In addition, as a District 204 graduate and father of two young children, I have a strong vested interest in the future success of our district.
2. As an incumbent, what have you accomplished?
I led the district to establish specific and measurable student performance goals for the first time. More of our students are meeting and exceeding state standards, leading to new district records for our ACT score in four out of the last five years. We have hired a superintendent who is a gifted communicator, reinstated our annual report to the community, introduced the Connect-Ed phone message system, placed board materials online in advance of meetings, held press conferences to coincide with significant events and launched 204TV.org, an on-demand channel where you can watch board meetings and presentations. As a result, the community members grading us an “A” or “B” has increased from 76 percent to 87 percent. I have spent time in all of the district’s 33 schools and with many community organizations listening to parents and taxpayers.
3. What are some of your goals?
My goals are fully aligned with the six goals the board has set for our district: increase the percent of students exceeding state learning standards, increase our average ACT score, narrow the achievement gap experienced by key student sub-groups, ensure proficiency in 21st century skills, manage our resources efficiently and effectively and be student- and community-focused. As the only business person on the board, my perspective will be critical to ensuring we continue to be good stewards of taxpayer money.
4. What would you like to say about the district’s financial health?
Our district is financially solid. We live within our means, our financial rating places us in the top 10 percent nationally and we have significant cash reserves. However, because we receive less per student than any other district in our county, we are constantly challenged to do more with less. We have proven ourselves capable of identifying efficiencies in a number of important areas including health care ($3 million saved annually), energy consumption ($500,000 saved annually), transportation ($1 million saved annually) and food service ($1 million saved annually). Next to consider include increasing our purchasing power by aggregating our purchases (paper, batteries, light bulbs, etc.) with other government entities; online reverse auctions — a model where bidders openly compete, versus the closed bidding system commonly used today. Illinois law recently changed to allow this and research indicates a 10 percent (or more) typical savings.
Lori Price
Hometown: Aurora
Age: 45
Family: Married to David for 19 years. Two children, Colin, 13 and Katie, 11
Occupation: Not applicable
Background:
Includes a BS in consumer affairs from Eastern Illinois University, president of the Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA, member of the Indian Prairie Parents’ Council, served as legislative chairperson for the Owen and Still schools PTA boards, Girl Scout leader, member of the District 204 Special Olympics Advisory Board, member of state Rep. Darlene Senger’s Educational Advisory Committee. Organized “Caravan to the Capitol” last April, bringing parents to Springfield to oppose state budget cuts to education. Endorsed by former board members Owen Wavrinek and Jeanette Clark and Aurora Alderman Rick Mervine. Visit
www.loriprice204.com1. Why are you running for the school board?
One of the key roles of a school board is to serve as the leading advocate on behalf of students. I have been an advocate for my own children for 13 years and an advocate for special needs families in this district for the last four years. Through these roles, I have found a passion for advocacy in education that I feel would be beneficial to students, parents and teachers as a member of the board. I have been involved in District 204 and my decision to run for the board seems like a natural progression in continuing to serve in this school district. I believe we have a great school district, but it’s not necessarily great for every student. There are areas that need improvement and from all indications, the district is working to improve in those areas. But there is still work to be done. I want to be engaged in the decisions that impact our students, educators and taxpayers of this community.
2. What do you think you can contribute?
Having been on multiple PTA boards, several district committees as well as an educational advisory committee, I’ve had the opportunity to work with parents and teachers from across the district, as well as administrators and state legislators. I bring knowledge of the issues and their impact to students, teachers and taxpayers. I also have two children in this district: a son with special needs and a typically developing daughter. I feel I bring both perspectives to the table and can advocate for all parents and students. Another key role of a school board member is to represent the district as a whole. In my role as president of a district-wide PTA, I am engaged with parents and teachers from every part of the district, including administration. I feel I have a good understanding how each of these groups need to work together to ensure the success of all of our students.
3. What are some of your goals?
One of my goals is to focus on continuing to improve communications with our community. There have been great strides made in this area, but I think there is room for improvement. In recent years, this district has seen a lot of division, most notably due to boundary issues and the location of Metea Valley High School. I think there needs to be less focus on what area of the district a person is from, and more on how to unite this district again. I think another goal could be accomplished by getting more people involved. We have an amazing network of individuals, with and without children, and business partners who we can invite to be a part of the ongoing efforts to challenge our children and help them become more engaged. Another goal would be to emphasize how we can better prepare our students for post-graduation opportunities by focusing on 21st century skills. One area I feel plays an indirect role in this is our fine arts program. Participation in the fine arts allows students to develop in all areas of the 21st century skills initiative. Research has shown participation in the fine arts enables students to excel in other areas of their lives, so I think it is important to continue to encourage our students to pursue skills such as these that are not directly associated with core academics.
4. What would you like to say about the financial health of the district?
The most recent amended budget provides for an $8.5 million surplus. Considering that the district had to cut last year’s budget by around $21 million, it would appear we are in a good financial position. We will need to continue to monitor this and be prepared to make cuts as needed, mindful of the impact on students as well as taxpayers. Likewise, if payments from the state are made on time and in full and we continue to experience a surplus, I would want to revisit the ideas of reinstating some programs and reducing and/or eliminating some fees. The question regarding the need for a referendum often comes up. The information available seems to indicate that our district is not in a position to need one right now. Provided there is continued fiscal responsibility and the state begins to meet its obligation to make on-time payments, the need for a referendum is not urgent. Even if the state continues to be late in their payments, I feel confident the district has allowed enough of a cushion to bear that hit.
Mark Rising
Hometown: Aurora
Age:
42
Family: Married to Veveca, daughters Alexandra, 12, Amanda, 7.
Occupation: Sales manager for a software company
Background:
Includes BA in communications and marketing from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; ran for District 204 board in 2009; Naperville Township Republican Organization precinct committeeman; member of the Indian Prairie Parents Council; IPPC representative for Special Needs PTA, Granger Middle School PTSA; member of Parents Diversity Advisory Council; co-founder of Granger Parents Diversity Advisory Council; member Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville. Visit
www.rising204.com.
1. Why are you running for the school board?
As we transition away from a period of high growth, we are finding the way we have traditionally approached issues such as finances and test scores may not be as effective going forward as it once was. Since moving here in 1998, my devotion to being an informed and involved parent has grown into a desire to serve our community. Becoming a school board member is an opportunity to best represent and be an advocate for all 29,500 children and parents in the district. I am passionate about having the best teachers and staff to educate our children. I can make the best financial decisions on behalf of all taxpayers in the district without sacrificing the quality education we have come to expect. I will make it my mission to stay informed about educational and financial issues at home and at the state and federal levels. It will be my job to represent everyone in the district equally and fairly, and I will strive to listen, learn, and understand the views of the people to make the best policy decisions without a rush to judgment.
2, What do you think you can contribute?
What I can contribute is the knowledge I have from attending nearly every school board meeting during the past six years. I have been involved in almost every parents group in the district and this high level of involvement will continue whether or not I am elected. Through these organizations, I have learned a lot and met amazing parents who will influence the decisions I will make. Through my more than 20 years of business experience, I believe I bring a level of financial knowledge and diversity of thought that has been missing from the school board. I have lived in this school district for 13 years, and I want to continue to make it affordable for families here and families considering it as their future home.
3. What are some of your goals?
Finances: We need to change our financial spending patterns while still maintaining the high standards of education for our children.
Success for students: Continue to raise achievement for all students. I have worked with the Special Needs PTA and the Parents Diversity Advisory Council to help raise awareness regarding the need to explore ways to help not only those children who are struggling but also who are doing well but could be challenged to do even better. I am pleased the board and administration have set goals to help all students improve academically. However, it is getting more difficult to meet these goals and maintain adequate yearly progress, which the federal government uses to measure school districts. We need to get more parents involved to help every student. I have done this as a parent and will continue to do so as a school board member.
Better engage our community: When I go to a school board meeting, I find only a handful of people in attendance. I believe even a slight increase in parental involvement will yield exponential results.
4. What would you like to say about the district’s financial health?
I believe the administration and board of education have done a wonderful job addressing budgetary shortfalls due to the state’s lack of timely funding. My main concern is that the bond and loan debt this district has assumed has gone from $253 million in 2006 to $323 million in fiscal year ending 2010. This is in addition to the issue we face with delinquent payments from the state. I think with our current economy, rising state taxes, slowing of the housing market and the state struggling to pay schools on time, we need to treat our fiduciary responsibility as the No. 1 priority. As school board members, we need to ensure we are doing the best job to operate schools, educate students at a high level, pay teachers and staff competitive salaries and be responsible stewards to taxpayers. I can’t change the situation we are in financially, or decisions that have been made. I do know we need to change our financial spending patterns of the past and make changes going forward.
Tricia Tillotson
Hometown: Naperville
Age: 42
Occupation: Recess supervisor and crossing guard at Kendall Elementary School
Family: Married 18 years to Bob Tillotson, daughter Katie, 13.
Background: Includes five years of higher education, received an X-ray license from University of California, elected precinct committeeman for Wheatland Township. Active participant in the Wheatland Township Republican Organization, Wheatland Township and Will County Caucus. Secretary of GROW, a nonpartisan group to help educate women on political issues. Founding member of Naperville/Plainfield Conservative Club, member of the Kendall Elementary PTA and secretary of the Crone Middle School PTSA, vice president Holy Spirit Catholic Community.
1. Why are you running for school board?
I believe in service and action. The service I can give to my community is to be involved. We already have administrators who are experts in their fields, so we need board members who will make sure that expertise is used to do the bidding of the public. Our job as a school board member is to represent and work for the taxpayers of District 204. As board members, we must be fiscally responsible while continuing to support and promote quality education within the budget. The school board needs a transparent, responsible leader who will represent the whole taxpaying community.
2. What do you think you can contribute to the board?
There needs to be more representation of conservative values and common sense.
3. What are some of your goals if elected?
First, to hold the district accountable for high educational standards within the budget without raising taxes. How do we continue our academic excellence without raising taxes? By identifying necessities versus wants and putting the needs of the students first, by being responsible with the taxpayers’ money. For example, when the board is presented with a bill, services rendered should be clear and itemized. This was not the case Feb. 7 when the board voted to pay a $17,000 bill for unknown services. Another example is when the district uses a term like “surplus,” the board should consider a rebate to every household. By living within our means, I believe you don’t spend money you don’t have and you don’t borrow on the backs of future generations.
Second, to represent every taxpayer in a timely manner. The school board works for the public. Agenda items should be driven by the needs of the public and not to accommodate whether the board thinks them important.
Third, one of the board’s goals is to be more transparent. What better way than by having an online itemized checkbook register so the community can see where their dollars are going? In addition, we need to reinstate citizens’ committees to maintain a direct line of communication and feedback.
4. What would you like to say about the district’s financial health?
As long as we rely on good common sense by living within our means, the district will remain healthy. We can no longer rely on Springfield or Washington, so we must continue to find/eliminate waste and continue to distinguish between needs and wants in order to maintain a financially healthy district.
Alka Tyle
Hometown: Naperville
Age: 47
Family: Married to Navin Tyle, children Aneesh, 18, Isha, 11
Occupation: Tutor
Background: BS in computer science, University of Melbourne; MA in computer science, Rutgers University; director of Indian Prairie Education Foundation, director at large of Illinois Association of School Boards DuPage Division; coordinator and creator of District 204 STEM Parents Group, participated on the advisory board of the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium at Loyola University; board liaison of district’s Wellness Committee and Parent Diversity Advisory Council.
1. Why are you running for the school board?
We need to stay the course to achieve the long-term goals we adopted last year. What makes me the right person is my almost five years of experience on the board; core value of living within one’s means learned as a first-generation immigrant, first to Australia and then to the U.S.; global perspective from life and educational experiences on several continents; understanding of what it means to be a globally competitive high school graduate; prior work experience in the industry, current work as a tutor and substitute teacher and accessibility to all subgroups. I have attended many board development workshops. The Illinois Association of School Boards recognized me as a Master Board Member. I encouraged my board to create a common agreement about board processes, commit to training and self-evaluation and create an annual board planning calendar as a tool to keep board work focused on and aligned with our adopted goals.
2. As an incumbent, what have you accomplished so far?
Any accomplishments belong to the board, not me alone. Since I joined the board in 2006, the district has adopted three-year measurable goals in areas of academic achievement, resource utilization and customer satisfaction to increase accountability; introduced pre-engineering courses at the high school level and appointing five STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) coordinators; brought Mathcounts to all of our middle schools; initiated a comprehensive review of all extracurriculars and resources allocated to them; increased the composite ACT score and steadily increased ISAT scores in core academic areas; committed to improving teacher quality through PD Wednesdays and adoption of the Charlotte Danielson model for evaluating teachers; cut operational costs by several million dollars annually; received an exemplary bond rating from Moody’s and delivered a balanced budget every year; actively sought partnerships and grants from foundations, corporations and government; reduced energy 38 percent saving more than $100,000 in 2010.
3. What are some of your goals?
Helping students and parents understand that career and college planning really begins in eighth grade when students pick their first high school courses; committing to best practices in professional development for all staff and in technology; exploring the benefit of evaluating and using cost per pupil per subject as another data point in decision-making; expanding the board goals section of the district website to provide an interactive district dashboard of district finances and student performance; equity in extracurricular opportunities in all areas of student interest; leveraging the intellectual and financial resources of district alumni through an alumni program; conducting district-wide surveys of students, staff and alumni; improving STEM education for all students; designing a high school research course; equipping high schools with STEM research labs; hiring a full-time grant writer; reviewing best practices across the country in performance-based compensation; identifying untapped resources to provide internship, shadowing and research opportunities for students and improving high school rankings in the US News’ annual best high schools list.
4. What would you like to say about the district’s financial health?
In the last 10-15 years, explosive growth and the need to build schools has put a strain on finances. With no more schools to build, the district can put more resources into adding the maximum value to every student’s education. The district’s financial health will continue to be impacted by internal and external factors. The main external factors are the state’s ability or inability to balance its budget and changes in education funding legislation. Internally, we just cut 10 percent of the budget. Finding operational, staffing and program efficiencies becomes more challenging. If we are to meet our goals in a timely manner, we must continue to complement seeking efficiencies with seeking new streams of revenue and aggressively pursuing partnerships and grant opportunities. I am committed to living within our means and doing more with less.
